War Diary: 102nd Anti Tank Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

The 102nd Anti Tank Regiment September 1944 war diary covers the units advance from Le Bosquel, France across Belgium into the Netherlands.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/929

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Page 1 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1		Remained in same location. 289 Bty under comd Rear Div Gp for movement and in sp for defensive coln.
			288 Bty move to area 0241 LE BOSQUEL arriving 1300 hrs. Later move through AMIENS to area 157612. One Tp of 288 Bty move. at 2300 hrs with 2 Devons
			relieve Gds Armd Div in ARRAS.

	2		107 Bty - Pte SHAW J 2195138 (ACC) crushed by a three-tonner against the trailer and killed.
			107 Bty take 200 prisoners near PAS EN ARTOISE.
			289 Bty at CEMEUSE. 288 Bty less one Tp move off at 0600 to ARRAS. Arrive ARRAS 0930 hrs.
			231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp push on from ARRAS behind Gds Armd Div with all possible speed.
	3		The Crusader had a lot of trouble during the move. It skidded into a
			ditch and Gm ARMSTRONG was thrown off and broke a leg. 2230 hrs. Approaching ANNOEULIN 599251. At cross roads 599252 the M.14,
			Office 3-tonner and Officers Mess 15-cwt go straight on instead of turning right. They run into enemy position which they are holding covering the
			bridge at DON 590277. The M.14 is hit by 88 mm and the two following vehicles riddled by small arms fire. A good deal of the Div HQ Column is
			halted on the road ANNOEULIN - ALLENES while the recce parties who had been called forward from the head of the coln at very short notice, try to get
			their vehicles dispersed. At 0030 hrs we are all in less the three trucks mentioned above. While we were wondering what could have happened Lieut
			MARRIOTT met Gnr GIDDINGS his batman who had been on the M. 14 and who had escaped and found his way back.

Page 2 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	3 contd		At 0145 hrs a party of six carriers from Cheshires was laid on to go back
			to cross roads at 599252 and to endeavour to get down DON road to our vehicles. A Tp of 6-prs from 107 Bty went in sp. This party was unable
			to get to our vehicles and took up positions in village in order to prevent the enemy coming up from DON.
			289 Bty leave CENEUSE and arrive at SANCHY having passed through ARRAS. Bty Ech take 20 prisoners in neighbourhood CENEUSE.
			231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp leave ARRAS area at 1100 hrs, pocket of enemy encountered near SECLIN. 2 Devons and one Tp 288 Bty detailed to deal
			with enemy. One Tp had some shooting and one 6-pr knocked out two large Troop Carriers with two shots (30 Boche killed).
			1600 hrs. BHQ of 288 Bty cross BELGIUM frontier.
			2100 hrs. 288 Bty reached 415387 approximately 15 miles from BRUSSELS.
	4		107 Bty. Lt VG WHITE (304281) killed in action while recceing positions
			in area DON 5927 in an endeavour to find gun positions to. sp Cheshire carriers trying to get forward to our three burnt-out vehicles.
			RHQ in area 213255. 107 Bty deployed round area with a TP supporting Cheshire carriers in village of ANNOEULIN 2425.
			HQRA and Div HQ shelled at about mid- day. About 40 shells dropped in their area which was just North of cross roads 260258.
			From our area we had a good view of the shelling, from a position about 200 yards plus.
			At about 0600 hrs Lt MARRIOTT went to cross-roads at 599252 to contact Tp of 107 Bty and Cheshire carriers. He went on a recce down the road
			towards DON and nearly reached our vehicles at 590269. He was unable get to right to them unobserved, however, and was forced to return.

Page 3 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	4 contd		Main Div move to area LAMAIN just across BELGIAN frontier.
			289 Bty move from SANCHY and arrive CYSOING. 288 Bty despatch one section of M.10 Tp to lead Corps HQ into BRUSSELS as
			road was not thought to be cleared of enemy. Lieut M. DAVIES led the M.10 Section was the first officer of the regt into
			BRUSSELS. 1430 hrs. Main body of 288 Bty entered BRUSSELS and spent remainder of day
			organizing anti-tank defence of BRUSSELS. One OR of 288 Bty wounded.
	5		It is now definitely established that the following casualties occurred at
			DON on the night 3/4 Sep when three of our trucks took the wrong road :- Killed: 327099 W/Sgt HUMBLE F
			557475 W/Bdr COLDWELL J 1077045 W/Bdr McCARTER J.L.
			4868774 Gnr BOOTH, D1154052 Gnr LOCK, H.
			324619 Pte JOHNSTON D (ACC)
			All buried in cemetery of village of DON. France & Belgium 1/50,000 Sheet 63 M.R. 590274.
			Wounded:
			912067 W/Sgt(AC) FIRTH G.S. 327171 L/Bdr COX, J.
			1528098 Gnr DUNN A.H. 1135971 Dvr/Op WAINWRIGHT J.K.
			An attack was put in on the position by 6 D.L.I. and by 1130 hrs they had cleared the village of DON.
			Sgt FIRTH who had been wounded on night 3/4 Sep had been hidden in a French house until the arrival of DLI this morning when he was produced and
			evacuated.

Page 4 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	5 contd		The three vehicles and trailer were completely burnt out.
			289 Bty remain deployed in area CYSOING. One Tp 288 Bty leave BRUSSELS with 2 Devons en route for ANTWERP in sp
			11 Armd Div.
	6		Main Div move to
			107 Bty revert to 151 Bde and move to area of BRUSSELS where they receive a terrific welcome. Bty deployed covering roads to South and S.E. of city.
			289 Bty move with Rear Div Gp from area CYSOING to area DENDERWINDEKE. 289 Bty lose CRUSADER BLR with a piston through cylinder head.
			0930 hrs. 288 Bty in sp 231 Bde leave BRUSSELS and advance on ANTWERP.
			ANTWERP reached and positions occupied by 1800 hrs. Enemy shelling South part of ANTWERP from North bank of SCHELDE.
	7		At 0900 hrs HQRA ask for recce parties forthwith and say we shall be
			moving at 1030. At 1045 RHQ moves to area 6481 which was changed en route to area MALINES 7075. Area altered again on move to 8678. Arrive
			new location at 1630 hrs MR 862785 (50 miles). Route ALOST - BUDE - WOLVERTHEM - MALINES.
			Two towed Btys of 73 A TK come under our comd at 1000 hrs but on arrival at new location we found they had reverted back to their regtl control
			so Lt MARRIOTT goes off to find 289 Bty and to bring them up (1700 hrs). At 1730 hrs it is found out that 289 Bty are on move with Rear Div Gp to
			a new area so May BARNETT goes off to contact them while C.O. has a look round our present area with a view to deploying 289 Bty when they arrive.
			Recce party from 289 Bty arrived at 1845 hrs - Bty arrives at 1945 hrs and deploys. Starting at about 1700 hrs 69 Bde Gp with 99 Bty under comd
			pass through our area en route for HERENTHALS to establish bridgehead over MEUSE/ESCAUT CANAL

Page 5 of 21

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
7 contd	Civilians report surrounding woods "full" of Boche.
	231 Bde with 288 Bty are in ANTWERP. 289 Bty captured 40 prisoners during move up.
	231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp pass to under comd 7 Armd Div.
8	151 Bde with 107 Bty move out of BRUSSELS and arrive in area HERSELT prior
	to establishing bridgehead over ESCAUT CANAL (GHEEL area). RHQ with Main Div Gp and 239 Bty (now under Regtl comd) move to area AVERBODE.
	Great welcome is received in AVERBODE where the Mayor delivered an address of welcome to our Colonel.
	Recce parties of 158 Inf Bde arrive in ANTWERP prior to relieving 231 Bde.
9	One Bn 151 Bde cross ESCAUT CANAL - one Tp of 107 Bty cross in sp. Enemy reactions fierce. 107 Bty lose carrier by direct hit from mortar.
	RHQ and Main Div Gp and 289 Bty remain in AVERBODE. Maintenance
	231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp relieved by 158 Inf Bde (53 Div) and 231 Bde
	concentrate in area 6591.
10	99 Bty - 042844 1500 hrs
	107 Bty - 070826 1520 hrs 288 Bty - 983766 1500 hrs
	151 Bde having a hard time in GHEEL bridgehead with 107 Bty insp. Enemy SP shelling Class 9 bridge. Recce carried out by 107 Bty to try and locate SP.	See Appx 'A' att for account of operations of
	107 Bty casualties: Gnr MEDDINGS (killed) Sgt BULLOCK (killed). 1400 hrs. Attack on GHEEL by 151 Bde.	107 Bty in GHEEL bridgehead 8 - 12 Sep

Page 6 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	10 contd		289 Bty play a game of soccer against AVERBODE and draw one goal each. Tremondous crowd watch match - great enthusiasm.
			231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp at one hours notice to move all day.
	11		1240 hrs. 107 location 063849.
			1715 hrs. " " 047845.
			M.10 Tp of 289 Bty move up to this side of ALBERT CANAL to support
			69 Bde. 0330 hrs Tp heavily shelled and suffer three casualties - all
			wounded. 231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp leave ANTWERP area and take over protection
			of BEERINGEN bridge (2375). Bridge attacked by enemy bombers without result.

	12		107 Bty. 070789. 99 Bty. 090735.
			289 Bty. AVERBODE. M.10 Tp returns from supporting 69 Bde and concentrate with the Bty in
			area AVERBODE. 288 Bty remain with 231 Bde protecting bridge at BEERINGEN.
			Field Marshal B.L. MONTGOMERY KCB DSO visits bridge during day. Bridge attacked by enemy jet-propelled aircraft without result.

Page 7 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	13		RHQ moved from village of AVERBODE 069736 to area of BRELAUR 183745. Left AVERBODE at 0945 and arrived now location at 1030 was distance 15 miles.
			D Bty who were deployed round RHQ area in AVERBODE moved with Div HQ column to new area.
			The Regt now had all Btys close together again for the first time since the "persuit began. The Division is to follow up Gds Armd Div who established
			a bridgehead at BEERINGEN 234750. 231 Bde with 'C' Bty are at present
			holding the bridgehead prior to going forward mopping up as they go tomorrow. 'C' Btys location is 238768.
			69 Bde moved to this area at 0700 hrs this morning with 99 Bty in sp and 99 Bty are now in area 210750.
			151 Bde after their considerable action during the last few days in GHEEL bridgehead moved also to this area behind 69 Bde. 107 Bty are with them
			and are located at 207748 (Pael). This evening about 1730 hrs Majors Balfour, Komrower and Masters and Capt
			Brameld visited RHQ. 107 Bty are very short of personnel and after recent losses are down to a
			strength of 122. C.O. decided today to make them up a bit by taking one NCO and two men from 99Bty, one NCO and five from 288 Bty and one NCO and
			three from 289 Bty. 289 Bty HQ is at map ref 180741.
			Two new M.10s 3 were delivered to the Regt today at AVERBODE, One has gone to 107 Bty.
			Major Komrower tell us that Beeringen was bombed yesterday by jet-propelled aircraft flying at terrific speed. The bombing was noisy but inaccurate.
			During day we received an ORDER from HQ RA to go to Second Army Veh Pk to collect 2 Carriers and 1 M.14. Lieut Hutchinson went off about 1600 hrs
			and after a fruitless journey arrived back at 0400 hrs. Having located Second Army Veh Pk he found none of the vehs he went with authority to
			collect available.

Page 8 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	14		Recce parties left for new area at 0830 hrs.
			HQ RA inform us that we shall be moving at 1430 hrs to area Bourg Leopold 2783.
			RHQ move off at 1445 hrs cross Albert Canal at BEERINGEN and move into area 277827 arriving about 1600 hrs (15 miles).
			289 Bty follow at end of Div HQ column and come into same area and deploy. The C.O. is anxious that rubber battle tracks are processed for two new
			M.10 X's and two new M.10s. The present practice is to send these replacement SPs with trg tracks and to deliver to units with these tracks.
			This practice necessitiates procuring of battle tracks and fitting by the unit. Usually much messing about and additional work all of which could be
			avoided by sending the vehs to operational theatres with operational tracks. However no tracks seem to be available at present owing to length of L of C.
			288 Bty with 231 Bde move up from BEERINGEN bridgehead preparatory to taking over Gds Armd Div bridgehead over Escaut Canal at 355960.
			288 Bty are now located at 227809 (SE Oostham). At 2200 hrs HQ RA inform us that 231 Bde with 288 Bty in support will be
			moving up tomorrow to take over protection of Gds bridgehead. Permission is granted for C.O. to concentrate Regt less 288 Bty in BOURG
			LEOPOLD area. 99 and 107 Btys may revert to Regtl comd at once and move up from other side of Albert Canal to this area tomorrow. Both btys to cross
			the Bailey Bridge in 69 Bde convoy. Reinforcements do not seem to be coming up and C.O. intends to visit BRA
			Second Army in BRUSSELS tomorrow to see what can be done about them.
			The Regt at the moment is about 55 O.Rs under establishment. The chief worry is NCOs. We are deficient of 12 Bdrs, 4 Sgts and 4 L/Sgts.
			Round figures do not indicate the situation accurately however. The Regt during many campaigns has had heavy drains on its personnel through
			casualties, and the stage has now been reached where there are no suitable

Page 9 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	14 contd		candidates for promotion. 59 Div has recently been broken up to provide
			reinforcements and it is difficult to see where all their A TK gunners have gone. Another rft trouble at the moment is Dvr Mechs. Most of the
			Dvr Mechs received by the Regt during the last six months have been trained on wheeled vehs only and as our establishment calls for Dvr Mech drivers of
			tracked carriers the position is not satisfactory. The Regt has been continuously engaged since D Day and opportunities to convert the wheeled
			Dvr Mechs to Dvr Mechs AFV have not been presented.
	15		Recce parties from 99 and 107 Btys arrive at our location at 1000 hrs.
			Concentration area for these two Btys is selected in area 3182 (Two miles East of BOURG LEOPOLD). The Btys move in about 1700 hrs. At 1100 hrs
			C.O. goes off to BRUSSELS to see BRA. He intends to call at Second Army Veh Park to find out situation there regarding replacements.
			At 1230 Major BARNETT attends CRA's conference where he is put in the picture with regard to future operations.
			HQ RA are moving forward nearer the bridgehead tomorrow in order to control Div Arty which will be taking part in a Corps shoot in sp of the Gds Armd
			Div when breakout from bridgehead starts. Div HQ are remaining here and as it is a purely Fd Arty affair RHQ is also remaining here and not moving
			up with HQ RA. 288 Bty today moved up with 231 Bde to take over and hold the Guards bridgehead while Gds continue to refit.
			288 Bty HQ location is now 327929. The composition of 30 Corps for the forthcoming battle is to be Gds Armd
			Div leading, followed by 43 Div, followed by 50 Div. 50 Div has under comd a Belgian Bde.

Page 10 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	16		Recce party went off from Regt at 0915 but returned from recce saying we were not moving to area they had set off to recce. HQRA moving only with
			Tac Div HQ to area VLASMER 3387. Major BARNETT attended a lecture by Army Comdr and Corps Comdr in the
			Cinema BOURG LEOPOLD at 1100 hrs. Subject - future operations. Orders received over telephone from HQRA stating that re-grouping has to
			be completed by 1800 hrs tomorrow and also that two towed gun btys of 73 A Tk Regt come under our comd, i.e. 195 and 196 Btys. They are to
			travel under comd Rear Div Gp for movement and in sp for operations. Major KENYON of 196 visits C.O. during the of ternoon and is put the pieture.
			It is likely that Rear Div Gp will travel in two parts, i.e. Rear Div Gp and Admin Gp. One bty of 73 A TK will go with each. They will be netted in on our frequency.
			C.O. decides to send 289 Bty to 151 Bde Gp and to keep 107 Bty with Main Div Gp as 107 Bty have not yet had their losses of 5 Carriers replaced and
			are therefore not wholly operationally mobile. Major TRIPPIER of 289 Bty visits C.O. and is ordered to contact 151 Bde today and to concentrate in
			151 Bde's area tomorrow morning. 151 Bde are in area Kattenbosche 005925. Major MASTERS visits C.O. and is ordered to contact 69 Bde in area BEERINGEN.
			Major BARNETT visited 288 Bty who report a quiet day in the bridgehead. The C.O. returned today from his visits to Second Army Veh Pk and Second
			Army HQ in BRUSSELS where he saw BRA. The EME interviewed 16 of our recently posted DMs and found that 8 of them
			were totally unfit to be DMs. These men had been trained at various training establishments in England and posted as reinforcements. They had
			according to their own statements been pushed through and mustered irrespective of their qualifications The results of their examination by
			EME more than bear out their statements. At 0300 hrs tomorrow morning we put clocks back one hour and come on to
			Zone A time.

Page 11 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	16 contd		HQ RA informs us we are likely to move to area VLASMER 3387 tomorrow.
			We are informed by HQ RA that the probable order of next advance in 30 Corps will be :-
			1) Guards Armd Div 2) 43 Div
			3) 50 Div a) 69 Bde Gp 99 Bty b) Main Div Gp RHQ & 107 Bty
			c) 151 Bde Gp 289 Bty d) Rear Div Gp 196 Bty 73 A Tk
			e) 231 Bde Gp 288 Bty f) Admin Gp 195 Bty 73 A Tk

	17		Signal received from Main 50 Div stating likely move today and recce parties went off at 0915.
			It was decided later that only HQ RA would move to now area in order to exercise control over the Div Arty which is to be shooting in a 30 Corps
			programme covering the Gds Armd Div breakout from the bridgehead 355960.
			Main Div HQ, Norbhumberland Hussars, 2 Cheshire HQ, 25 LAA HQ are to remain in present locations. Later Main Div HQ move but not the Regts.
			289 Bty move off at 0900 hrs to join 151 Bdo area KATTENBOSOHE. 99 Bty move off at 1000 hrs to rejoin 69 Bde area BEERINGEN.
			288 Bty are still with 231 Bde and 107 Bty are remaining with RHQ. 107 Bty are still deficient of 5 Carriers lost in recent GHEEL battle.
			195 and 196 Btys (both towed 17-prs) come under our command for operations although travelling with Rear Div and Admin Gps.
			Orders received from HQ RA to move as early as convenient on 18 Sep Capt E.R. ROBERTS comes to RHQ from his Bty to got orders for tomorrow's

Page 12 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	17 contd		move and is told that 107 Bty are to move to area recced yesterday, area. 3590.
			Move to start at 0800 in small groups of vehicles. 5 Carrier drivers are however to report to RHQ - at 0830 to remain behind with to pick up
			replacement carriers.
			Two M. 10s, one Bty and one from 288 Bty were B.L.R'd and replaced by 2 drawn from 254 Corps Del Sqn on 14. We now hold only 16 M.10s.
	18		107 Bty move off as arranged. RHQ move off at 0900, leaving behind Lt QM and parts of B Ech.
			Carrier dvrs report to Lt QM and party sets off to collect carriers. RHQ and 107 Bty are all in new location just South of LINDESCHE HUDE at
			MR 358906 by 1030 hrs. The party which had been sent off to 7 Armd Div Wksps in ANTWERP to collect
			one M.10 and the RHQ AA Crusader arrived back with the M.10 only as the Crusader was not ready.
			99 Bty arrive up with 69 Bde to area GENERORG 230808 SE BOURG LEOPOLD. During afternoon move further up to area 350912.
			288 Bty are located with 231 Bde in area 335928 East of KATTENBOSCHE. 289 Bty in area 324944 (East of EINDE).
			During afternoon 288 Bty cross the bridge over the Escaut Canal with 231 Bde and are located at 388035 (area HOCK).
			231 Bde extending the firm base of the bridgehead. 151 Bde move behind 231 Bde to take over a bit of the extended bridgehead
			and give defensive depth to the defence and local protection of the bridge. One Bn being held in an immediate counter attack role on South side of
			Canal at DORTEREN. 289 Bty move their HQ slightly further North to area 337854.

Page 13 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	18 contd		An enemy recce plane was reported over bridgehead area flying fast and low at about 1500 hrs.
			At 1730 hrs report received from 288 Bty that Major KOMROWER had been
			wounded and it was thought seriously. This was later confirmed and Major KOMROWER died of wounds in CCS at 389035.
			C.O. decides to send Major BALFOUR from 107 Bty back to comd 288 Bty if Major BALFOUR expresses a desire to return to 288 Bty. Probably as a
			result of recce during afternoon bombing of the whole bridgehead area by the enemy starts at about 1945 hrs. The bombing continues off and on for
			about 2 hours. It is estimated about 20 to 30 enemy planes used. Most of the bombs dropped were small anti-personnel. Total regtl casualties in
			personnel by the bombing were : RHQ - One wounded remained at duty. 107 Bty - One wounded remained at duty.
			99 Bty - Three wounded (2 evacuated 1 remained at duty).
			107 Bty had two M/Cs and one Jeep slightly damaged and 99 Bty had about five vehicles damaged but all repairable within unit.
			HQ RA inform us that no move is likely tomorrow.
	19		Lt QM HUTCHINSON arrives back from BOURG LEOPOLD with three replacement carriers. Only three were available. No M.14 was available.
			SC RA is informed and further efforts are made which result in our drawing later today two more carriers.
			107 Bty managed to salve one of their five lost so they are issued with four bringing them up to strength. The fifth one is sent to 99 Bty to
			replace one of theirs which has been on its way back from 69 Bde Wksps in charge of Gnr BIRD since 10 Sep and has not yet arrived.

Page 14 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	19 contd		In tpt Regrt is now deficient of one M. 14, one 1-ton trailer and one 3-ton 4 x 4 (4 X 2 presently held in lieu),six M/Cs. Endeavours are being made
			to receive a M.9 which is apparently available at Army Veh Pk, in lieu of M.14.
			Capt LESLIE went off to Corps Tk Del Sqn and returned with an M.10X. It is
			decided by C.O. to send this M.10x to 289 Bty and to withdraw RHQ one
			M.10. This will give 289 Bty one Tp of SPs consisting of 3 X M.10Xs and
			one M.10 3". The latest M.10X drawn has steel battle tracks as also has the latest M.10 drawn. The C.O. is definitely not in favour of these steel
			tracks as they are designed for SHERMANS which are five tons heavier than M.10s and consequently M.10 is too light to be properly controllable on
			road surfaces when fitted with these tracks. Arrangements are made for the change-over to rubber battle tracks to take
			place tomorrow and also to change over to rubber battle tracks one M.10 which still has rubber training tracks.
			Lieut WARD (EME) goes off to ANTWERP at 1200 hrs to endeavour to rescue our Crusader.
			Two new subaltern reinforcements join the Regt. They are Lieut JACKSON and Lieut QUINTON. C.O. decides on the following:-
			Major Balfour from comd 107 to comd 288 Lieut Di Castiglione from L.O. 288 to understudy Lieut
			Marriott as I.O. at RHQ. Lieut Jackson to 107.
			Lieut Quinton to 288. Capt C.R. PAINE to comd 107 Bty meantime pending arrival of a B.C. reputed
			to be on the way. A small force of enemy aircraft dropped one or two bombs in the area during
			the early evening.

Page 15 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	20		Btys and RHQ remain in same locations.
			All M.10s and M.10Xs are now fitted with Rubber Battle Tracks. HQ RA informs us that there is no likelihood of the Div moving today but it
			is likely that 69 Bde will move tomorrow. Very large numbers of Dakota aircraft passed over during the afternoon on
			their way to drop supplies and reinforcements to our Airborne TPS.
	21		Lieut WARD (EME) returns from ANTWERP but still without our Crusader.
			Lt QM HUTCHINSON collects 15-cwt 4 X 2 GS and on Armd OP. These last two additions make the Regt more or less up to strength in vehicles. The 15-cwt
			is actually in lieu of a M.14 and is not nearly so useful but is better than nothing.
			HQ RA inform us that 69 Bde and the bridgehead detachment are likely to move today at 1245 hrs. 99 Bty informs us that the move is postponed
			until 1600 hrs at earliest. 99 Bty no move today now likely 1730 hrs.
			2330 hrs. HQ RA inform us that 195 and 196 Btys likely to move tomorrow.
	22		0730 hrs. 99 Bty move off with 69 Bde towards ARNHEIM.
			The Bridgehead Detachment with I Tp of 99 Bty in support move with the Bde Gp.
			Major BARNETT returns from BRUSSELS with the NAAFI. Slightly better issue this week - 75 cigarettes per man and 1 1/2 bars of chocolate being the main
			issue. Spirits - half bottle per officer, W.O. and Sgt. At 1700 hrs a message is received from HQ RA saying 195 and 196 Btys are
			to revert to 30 Corps and are to make their way with all speed to MALDEN area 7050 where they are to report to 30 Corps. Head of first Bty is to

Page 16 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	22 (contd)		cross bridge at 1900 hrs. As these two btys have some 15 miles to do to
			get to the bridge and are not in W/T communication with us but are under Rear Div for movement it is pointed out to HQ RA that they cannot do it
			in the time. Two further difficult ties are :- (1) The road from South of BOURG LEOPOLD, where the btys are located, to
			the bridge is jammed with traffic and also the supply road (through the corridor to MALDEN is cut by the enemy in the neighbourhood of
			UEGHEL where the enemy is reported in some strength, a medium estimate being 700 inf supported by 40 tanks.
			1800 hrs. Major KENYON of 196 Bty visits RHQ and it is decided that he
			will take his place on the road and move up with the column as fast as he can. The net result of this is that the two Btys get the length of RHQ,
			i.e. about four miles short of the bridge and the column stops for the night. 2300 hrs. HQ RA inform us that as the situation is so vague the Div Comd
			is going off in the morning about 0600 behind Div Recce Regt and is going to proceed towards VEGHEL to contact 101 American Airborne Div and clear
			up the situation. As the CRA is ill Lt-Col MATTHEWS DSO is to accompany the General and act as CRA. Movement tomorrow will take place as follows:
			times across the bridge. 0545 61 Recce Regt
			0600 Div Comd's Tac 0930 - Main Div
			1030 - 151 Bde 231 Bde will move ahead of Main Div starting from present location five
			miles South of VALKENSWAARD at 0800. Orders are issued for RHQ to be ready to move behind HQ RA at 0830
			and 107 Bty to follow RHQ less two Tps 6-pr which are split up in sections throughout the column.

Page 17 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	22 contd		288 Bty with 231 Bde Gp.
			289 Bty with 151 Bde GP. Recce parties to report to HQ RA at 0630.
	23		0830 hrs. RHQ moves off to join coln behind HQRA.
			0915 hrs. RHQ joins coln and moves off. 1230 hrs. RHQ arrives new location at 436223 (VLOKHOVEN),
			1300 hrs. Orders received to be ready to move off at 1430. 1400 hrs. Orders received to move at 1430.
			CRA's Conference arranged for 1430 at Div HQ altered to take place at ST OEDENRODE.
			1400 hrs. Recce parties go off to recce new area South of ST OEDENRODE. No one moves off at 1430 and eventually at 1600 hrs the move is cancelled.
			The general position is very obscure. The enemy are still across the road at VEGHEL. A Regt of the Gds Armd is to attack from the direction
			of LIDEN (i.e. from the N.E.) and 101 American Airborne is to attack from S.W.. 15 Scottish Div on our immediate left is to attack and take BEST
			at 3726 pushing on towards BEXTEL. Meanwhile on our right 11 Armd Div is to take HELMOND 5522.
			About 1600 hrs there is much air activity and many hundreds of Dakota aircraft towing gliders pass over us heading North and N.W.
			The day which started by being very wet has cleared up and by 1400 hrs it is dry with bright intervals.
			At 1730 hrs Lt-Col BRIGHT of 21 Army Group calls at RHQ to see C.O. and discuss M.10 problems. The C.O. brings up the following main points:-
			1) Bogie trouble (excessive wear). 2) Lack of radiator protection.
			3) Lack of overhead cover. 4) Unsuitability of Steel Battle Tracks.

Page 18 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	23 contd		5) Delivery of SPs with training tracks necessitating unit drawing battle tracks and fitting.
			6) Swapping of 3" pieces for 17-pr. 7) Non-delivery of DMs AFV.
			69 Bde Gp got split up during the move and 7 Green Howards are at present (1800 hrs) on this side of VEGHEL while remainder of Bde is on the other
			side with the road cut in between.
			One TP of 99 Bty with 2 x M.10s under comd of Capt SPENCE are with 7 Green Howards while remainder of Bty is out of touch with Capt SPENCE and with
			main body of 69 Bde and the Bridgehead Det. 195 and 196 Btys which had been in coln which was held up to allow 50 Div
			coln to pass are taken under our comd again and 195 Bty is supporting 231 Bde while 196 Bty with 107 Bty is in our area.
			Btys are deployed as follows :- 289 Bty with 231 Bde in area East of main road BREUGEL 4526.
			195 Bty - One TP sp of 231 Bde and two Tps sp of 7 Green Howards on West of road in area ZON 4426.
			One Tp 6-prs and two M.10s 99 Bty in sp 7 Green Howards same area.
			288 Bty - in support of 151 Bde in area NEDERWETTEN 4623 (East of road)
			196 Bty - One Tp in sp of 151 Bde area as above. Two Tps in support of 107 Bty covering area West of road
			VLOKHOVEN 4322. At 2000 hrs C.O. attends conference at Div HQ.
			C.O. is still doing duties of CRA who is unwell. At 0400 hrs road open again and Capt SPENCE's half of 99 Bty move off
			with Green Howards up to VEGHEL and thence to join 69 Bde in area NIJMEGEN. 195 Bty revert to 30 Corps and are ordered to move up road
			behind Green Howards Gp. 196 Bty remains under our comd. Very wet.

Page 19 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	24		231 Bde attacks N.E. across ZUIDWILLEMSVAAT CANAL and succeeds in taking
			ERP. 288 Bty in sp 231 Bde. 1131 hrs. Main Div HQ move to new area wood S.E. of OEDENRODE 466295 -
			reach new location about 1330 hrs. Still wet. During afternoon enemy attack S,E. from SCHINED and succeeds in cutting
			road at 450344 and established themselves in woods East of the road in area 465335.
			107 Bty deploy area 45314631 facing NW. 9 D.L.I. move up from NEDINVELLEN area to area 4930.
			Very noisy and uncomfortable night with the enemy machine-gunning, shelling and mortaring the road and general area OEDENRODE.
			196 Bty in area ZON with two guns covering road South of OEDENRODE. Five guns covering western approaches to road NEIMEL/ZON and four guns
			at ZON.
	25		0600 hrs. Situation on road still obscure and road still cut.
			By 0900 hrs head of 7 Armd Div reaches OEDENRODE to deal with the situation i.e. to clear the road and attack in the direction of SCHINNEL
			supported by a bn of 101 American Airborne Div. 9 D.L.I. move from area 4930 to area 4632 and send patrols North and N.E.
			each patrol being supported by an M.10 from 289 Bty. 1500 hrs. 288 Bty location 522363 (North of ERP).
			A noisy day and by nightfall road still not open. A conference was held at Main Div HQ during the morning at which the
			following were presents- C-in-C 21 Army Group
			Second British Army Commander and Commanders of 30 Corps, 8 Corps and 12. Corps.

Page 20 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	25 contd		196 Bty moved two more guns to OEDENRODE area and now have a complete 17-pr TP covering approaches into OEDENRODE from North and N.W.
	26		0700 hrs. 231 Bde with 288 Bty in sp move from present area ERP to area
			VOLKEL 5640 to take over protection of route North via BOCKEL - VOLKEL - MILL (HEART route).
			1145 hrs. 288 Bty report their location as 558415 (North of VOLKEL). 107 and 289 Btys no change.
			7 Armd Div continue attack towards SCHIENDEL and by mid-afternoon traffic is again passing up the road which is under spasmodic shell-fire.
			Recce parties from Main Div HQ move off to recce new area in area BOKEL 5736. HQ RA inform us that move to new area likely to take place tomorrow
			and that 196 Bty will probably revert to under comd 30 Corps. The weather is still cold but there has only been a few heavy showers today.
	27		231 Bde move with 288 Bty to area MILL 6445. 151 Bde move with 289 Bty to
			area VOLKEL 5640. 1130 hrs. Main Div HQ moves to area BOEKEL 5536 arriving new location
			1300 hrs. Route LIESHOUTE - BECK - GEMERT - BOEKEL (HEART route now known as TRIANGLE route).
			1315 hrs. Capt SPENCE visits RHQ having come down from MALDEN 7055. He reports that 99 Bty are "quite happy" and are at present located over the
			river at NIJMEGEN, at 696671 in sp of 69 Bde who are extending the bridgehead corridor to the East and N.E. He reports that the cutting of
			the road at various times has caused them to eat down their four days reserve rations and that today they were on their last day, but an RASC
			Supply Coln got through this morning with a further two days. The Bty (99) has had two casualties, both wounded (DM INGHAM and D/OP JENNINGS)

Page 21 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	27 contd		both newly joined.
			107 Bty are deployed in Div HQ area facing West and N.W. Bty HQ is at 553365. RHQ location is 551361. Bty locations are
			99 Bty - 696671 107 Bty - 553364
			288 Bty - 631434
			289 Bty - 561397 HQ RA informs us move unlikely tomorrow.
			Very wet.
	28		RHQ and all Btys remain in same locations.
			Wet day with short bright intervals. Two new officers arrived today, both from 68 A Tk Regt, which has been
			disbanded. They are T/Maj T.A. WIGGLESWORTH and T/Maj A.T.F. STALLARD. Former is to take ones 99 Bty latter 107 Bty
	29		No change in locations of RHQ or Btys.
			Two bns of 231 Bde pushed out N.E. and East from MILL and patrols reached the line of the R. MEUSE. Two 6-pr Tps of 288 Bty move in sp but Bty HQ
			and Bde HQ remains in present locations. No opposition was encountered. Wet, cold day.
	30		No change in locations.
			Fine clear sky. 1400 hrs. Recce parties called for by HQ RA. Recce area but do not find
			a suitable place and return after dark at 1930 hrs. 2000 hrs. Instructions for recce parties to RV at 0700 hrs
			Div HQ will move tomorrow at 0830 hrs. Bty will be split up through the
			coln for local protection.

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War Diary: 102nd Anti Tank Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

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